Homemade Mexican Pizza Recipe – Easy & Delicious Meal
Homemade Mexican Pizza Recipe – Easy & Delicious Meal
Homemade Mexican pizza is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine into a familiar comfort food. This recipe combines crispy tortillas with savory ground beef, creamy refried beans, and a mix of melty cheeses, topped with fresh veggies. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also allows for plenty of customization, making it a great option for family dinners or gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to try your hand at making homemade Mexican pizza. First, it’s a fun meal to prepare and enjoy. You can get the whole family involved in assembling the pizzas, making it a great activity. Second, it is a quick dish that can be made in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Third, it is very versatile. With various toppings and ingredients, you can easily adjust the pizza to suit your taste or dietary needs, like swapping meat for beans, using different cheeses, or adding your favorite veggies. Finally, homemade Mexican pizza is a delicious combination of flavors that will satisfy everyone’s cravings.
How to Make Homemade Mexican Pizza
Ingredients:
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1 pound lean ground beef
- Optional substitution: Ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
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1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- Tip: Make your own seasoning with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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1/2 cup water
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6 medium flour tortillas
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free tortillas.
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1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
- Substitute with black beans or pinto beans if you prefer.
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1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
- For a spicier version, try using green enchilada sauce or homemade salsa.
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup shredded pepper-jack cheese
- Feel free to mix in mozzarella or Colby-Jack for added creaminess.
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1 Roma tomato, diced
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1 green onion, diced
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1 small can sliced black olives
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Optional: Add jalapeños or avocado slices for extra flavor.
Directions:
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Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential for achieving that crispy texture on your tortillas.
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Prep the baking sheets: Spray two baking sheets with non-stick spray to prevent the tortillas from sticking.
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Bake the tortillas: Place three tortillas on each baking sheet. Bake for about 3-5 minutes, then flip them over and bake for an additional 2-5 minutes until they become golden and crispy. Once done, set them aside to cool.
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Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat. Make sure to cook it until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.
- Tip: For extra flavor, consider adding diced onions or bell peppers while cooking the beef. These ingredients can enhance the taste and add more texture to your pizza.
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Add seasoning: Stir the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water into the cooked beef. Bring this mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens. Set this mixture aside.
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Warm the refried beans: In a microwave-safe bowl, warm the refried beans for about 1 minute. This step ensures they spread easily onto the tortillas.
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Assemble the Mexican pizza: Start building your pizza by spreading a thin layer of refried beans onto one of the crispy tortillas. Next, add 1/3 of the seasoned beef mixture on top. Place a second tortilla on top to create a lovely second layer.
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Top it off: Spread 3 tablespoons of enchilada sauce over the top tortilla. Next, generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and pepper-jack cheese on top. Don’t forget to add the diced tomatoes, green onions, and sliced black olives. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas to create additional pizzas.
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Melt the cheese: Place the assembled pizzas back into the oven for about 5 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
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Cool and serve: Once the cheese is melted, take the pizzas out of the oven. Let them cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious homemade Mexican pizza!
How to Serve Homemade Mexican Pizza
Homemade Mexican pizza is best served warm. You can cut it into wedges for easy sharing. Consider serving it with a side of sour cream or guacamole for dipping. You can also complement the meal with a fresh salad, chips, and salsa for a complete dining experience. For an added kick, provide hot sauce on the side so everyone can adjust the spice level to their liking.
How to Store Homemade Mexican Pizza
If you have leftovers, storing them is simple. Here’s how to do it properly:
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Cool the Pizza: Allow the pizza to cool to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming in the container, which can lead to sogginess.
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Wrap it Up: Place the leftover slices in an airtight container. Alternatively, you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
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Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to eat the leftovers within 3-4 days.
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Freezer Option: If you want to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the individual slices. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
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Reheat: When ready to eat, reheat the pizza in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also use a microwave for quicker results, but the oven helps keep the crust crispy.
Tips to Make Homemade Mexican Pizza
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Crispy Tortillas: For the best texture, don’t skip the step of baking the tortillas. This helps to ensure they hold up under the toppings and adds a delightful crunch.
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Customizable Layers: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have in your pantry. Adding layers of different beans, or additional veggies can enhance both flavor and nutrition.
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Cheese Choices: Mixing different types of cheese can offer a unique twist each time you make this dish. Experimenting with cheeses like Gouda or feta can bring a whole new flavor profile.
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Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by changing the type of enchilada sauce or by adding fresh jalapeños on top.
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Meal Prep: You can prep the ingredients beforehand. Cook the beef and warm the beans a day in advance. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.
Variations
While the base of this recipe is delicious, don’t hesitate to get creative:
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Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat altogether and load up on vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and corn for a hearty vegetarian version.
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Taco Style: Use taco ingredients like lettuce, salsa, and diced avocado on top of the cheese for a fresh twist.
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Southwestern Style: Incorporate corn and green chiles into the beef mixture for a southwestern flair.
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Mini Pizzas: Make individual serving sizes by using smaller tortillas or soft taco-sized tortillas. This is a fun option for kids and parties.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of tortillas?
- Yes! You can use corn tortillas, whole wheat tortillas, or gluten-free options depending on your preference or dietary needs.
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Can I make Mexican pizza ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare all the components and store them separately. Assemble the pizza just before baking for the freshest taste.
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How can I make a spicier Mexican pizza?
- Increase the spice by using spicy taco seasoning or opt for a hotter enchilada sauce. You can also add fresh jalapeños or sprinkle chili flakes on top.
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What other toppings can I add?
- You can add toppings like avocado slices, cilantro, or even shredded lettuce for a fresh crunch.
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Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
- Yes, the assembled pizza can be frozen before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. When ready to eat, bake straight from the freezer, adding some extra time to the cooking duration.
Making your own homemade Mexican pizza is not just about enjoying a meal; it’s also about sharing moments with loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a family dinner, or simply trying to spice up weeknight meals, this dish is sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into the delicious world of homemade Mexican pizza!
PrintHomemade Mexican Pizza
A delightful dish that combines crispy tortillas with savory ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melted cheeses, topped with fresh veggies, perfect for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Omnivore
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 medium flour tortillas
- 1 can (16 ounces) refried beans
- 1 can (10 ounces) red enchilada sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper-jack cheese
- 1 Roma tomato, diced
- 1 green onion, diced
- 1 small can sliced black olives
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray two baking sheets with non-stick spray.
- Place three tortillas on each baking sheet and bake for 3-5 minutes, then flip and bake for another 2-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Stir the taco seasoning and water into the beef, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Warm the refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl for 1 minute.
- Spread a layer of refried beans onto a crispy tortilla, top with 1/3 of the beef mixture, then place another tortilla on top.
- Spread enchilada sauce over the top tortilla, sprinkle with cheeses and add tomatoes, green onions, and olives. Repeat for remaining tortillas.
- Bake for 5 minutes until cheese is melted.
- Cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
Optional toppings include jalapeños or avocado slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
